This large flightless rail is endemic to New Zealand and adjacent islands. Vulnerable to introduced predators, it thrives on predator-free islands such as Ulva. We encountered this one on a small beach where it was completely fearless. This species is classified as vulnerable by IUCN because of steep declines on the mainland and continuing unabated threats. Four subspecies are currently recognized. This is "G. a. scotti" characterized by its smaller size. Our bird has an overall chestnut color with its underparts similar to its upperparts. This pattern is characteristic of the chestnut morph. Gray and black morphs also occur.